POMOLOGY AS A STUDY. 



151 



referred to is avoided ; but where large quantities of one variety are grown 

 I have observed a similar occurrence in several forms besides the common 

 Hazel. 



The sterility arising from inadequate nutrition can be seen at times in 

 some varieties of Apples and .Pears in a very marked degree ; but there is 

 a great difference in this respect, as a few forms resist such effects with sur- 

 prising strength, while others are just as readily influenced. Some varieties 

 of Apples have especially attracted my notice during a long series of years, as 

 under most diverse conditions of soil and situation which have produced 

 marked effects on the growth, yet both elements of the flowers appear t o be 

 developed with equal strength, and they are consequently strongly self -fertile. 

 It is generally held that the pistillate portion requires the most nutrition, 

 and where the two elements are in different flowers those producing seed 

 are usually borne upon the strongest branches or the stronger part of the 

 same branch. This is no doubt true as regards the ultimate result, the 

 development of fruit and seed ; but up to the time of fertilisation as 

 regards most of our fruit trees, as far as my observations extend, the 

 pollen production is the most serious tax upon the strength of the tree, 

 and in consequence in the case of weakness or soil-poverty the stamens 

 or anthers are the first to suffer. I have noticed this in the Apples 

 ' Stirling Castle,' ' Lord Suffield,' and ' Cox's Orange Pippin,' with others, 

 besides several Plums, Pears, and Peaches. In such cases sterility has been 

 effectually removed by liberal application of complete manurial aids ; but 

 where the defect has arisen from some other cause it has been necessary to 

 plant other varieties with the failing sorts in order to provide the requisite 

 pollen. 



It is a rather remarkable fact, but it appears, as regards Apples, Pears, 

 Plums, Peaches, Apricots, and Gooseberries, that the pollen of any variety is 

 equally effectual with that of the individual's own flower in causing fertilisa- 

 tion and seed production. Indeed, it has been contended that the use of the 

 pollen from other varieties is more beneficial, resulting in more seeds being 

 formed, and in finer and better keeping fruits developing from the cross- 

 pollination. Mr. M. B. Waite, of the United States Department of Agri- 

 culture, has recorded the results of some interesting experiments with 

 Apples and Pears in reference to this matter. He further claims that the 

 pollen has exerted conspicuous effects in certain cases upon the resulting 

 fruits, and he has furnished both illustrations and descriptions of such 

 effects (see Year Book of the Department of Agriculture, U.S.A., 1898, 

 pp. 171-174). 



3. The Development of Fruits. — Progress of the fruits from the 

 time of the fertilisation until the ripening period is more strictly a 

 purely cultural part of the subject than the preceding, but there are 

 several points which, from their scientific bearing and importance, may be 

 considered as coming within the scope of the subject as we have set it out. 

 The chief questions arising out of these are, 1st, how far fruits are aided 

 in their progress by the previously stored materials in the stems and 

 branches of trees, &c. ; 2ndly, to what extent the work of assimila- 

 tion carried on in the leaves of the current year assists the progress : 

 3rdly, what manures have the greatest effects, and when they should be 

 applied to produce the best results ; and 4thly, will any application after 



